October 17-20, 2016
After the Flagstaff get-together, Diana and I traveled north to Page, AZ where we had booked a tour into Antelope Canyon. On the way up AZ 89, we had some great views.
Climbing...
View from the top.
Entering Page
We stayed in a campground overlooking Lake Powell.
Lake Powell was formed when the Colorado River was dammed above and below.
Thistle liked this campground.
Another view from the campground.
The first thing we did was take the hiking trail to this iconic view of Horseshoe Bend of the Colorado River in Glen Canyon.
Diana standing above the bend.
Then there was a short hike to this view of Glen Canyon Dam. Lake Powell is behind the dam.
Evening sun rays on the rock formations.
Tower Butte
The next day was our tour of Antelope Canyon. We were entertained by this Navajo Hoop Dancer while waiting for the tour to begin.
Antelope Canyon is a narrow slot canyon located on Navajo Land. To protect it from vandalism, it can only be seen by guided tour.
It is famous for the beautiful shapes and colors that can be seen where light enters the canyon at certain times of the day.
The guides were helpful by pointing out the best photo angles and settings that photographers use.
It was pretty crowded, and we were moved along steadily. There was no opportunity to explore on your own or linger in awe.
Fortunately, most of the views were looking up, so there weren't always heads in the way.
The Navajo guide had names for several of the views, like candle or flame, or heart, but I have forgotten which was which.
Colors varied from purples and blues to red and orange.
The rock is sandstone, carved by wind and water.
This slot is Upper Antelope Canyon. There is another hike to Lower Antelope Canyon that we did not do.
That is Diana taking the same photo as me.
Diana and I found another trail nearby that dogs were allowed on.
So Thistle came along on a hike to "Hanging Gardens."
The hanging garden is growing under that alcove.
Water drips down the rock and provides a water source for the plants.
Maidenhair ferns grow on the rocks.
Dueling cameras
Hanging Gardens below the upper cliff.
Another day we took this boat tour which goes from Lake Powell into Lower Antelope Canyon. The tour boat is called Desert Shadow.
Entering Lower Antelope Canyon
Colorful, steep sandstone cliffs.
The canyon gets narrower the farther in we go.
That's a fishing boat.
Another fishing boat. No wake allowed.
You can also kayak or paddle board up this canyon.
This boat wasn't following the no wake rule.
Coming back out.
Back out on Lake Powell, the guide pointed out rock formations like Tower Butte on the right and Navajo Mountain in the background.
Castle Rock
This lake is popular for houseboats, seen here at mooring.
We found another (free) campground right on the beach at Lone Rock. I'd stay here if I come back, as long as the sand is not too soft.
Lone Rock
